§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in Curry and other congested districts in the union of Tubbercurry, county Sligo, an amount of distress prevails owing to the failure of the potato crop of last year, many poor people being without the necessary seed for cropping purposes; and whether, under the circumstances, he will see that, in any free distribution of seeds which takes place, the claims of the people of these improverished districts will be considered.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have inquired into the circumstances of Tubbercurry Union, and are satisfied that there is no exceptional distress in the district. There is no increase in outdoor relief as compared with a year ago. The Board have no doubt that the people will be able to find means to crop their land this spring.